There's just one week left until Bike to Work Week begins. Some of you ride your bike to work all the time and you rock! Others of you don't ride as much, or maybe you're trying biking to work for the first time...what should you do to get ready for Bike to Work Week? Here are some tips from the new Bike Fed Blog (http://bicyclefederationwisconsin.blogspot.com/)

1. Get your bike out of the basement/garage/shed/etc.
a.Fill the tires with air. You can see how much air to put in by looking at the side of the tire (if it is a mountain bike type it will probably say something like 40-65 psi...a road bike or bike with skinny tires might say 90-120 psi). If you don't have the right kind of tire pump, you can stop by a bike shop (or the Bike Fed office) and they should have a pump available for you to use. Once the tires have air, examine the tires to check for cracks in the rubber, especially along the sidewall. If there are cracks, you may need to replace the tires to avoid getting flats. Also, let the bike sit over night to see if the tires leak air and need the tubes replaced. If you need to replace your tires or tubes, you can do this yourself or take it to a bike shop. Often shops will replace tubes and tires on an as-you-wait basis.
b. Take a look at the brakes. Squeeze the brake levers. The brakes pads should seat onto to rims of the wheels without hitting the rubber of the tire or hanging over the edge of the rim. When you squeeze the levers, you should be able to fit your thumb between the brake lever and the handlebar. If you are not sure if your brakes are adjusted correctly, you may want to take your bike to a shop for maintenance.
c. Make sure that your chain is clean and lubed. Do not use WD-40 or bike grease to lube your chain. Use a snythetic bike chain lube like Tri-flow. Unless you are particular, it doesn't really matter if you use "wet" lube or "dry" lube.
d. Take a look at all of the quick-release levers on your bike. There are probably quick-releases on each wheel and on the seat post (maybe others too). The bolts should be tight with the quick-release lever in the closed position. When it is closed, you should see the word "closed" on the side of the lever that is visible (lever curves TOWARDS frame, not away)
e. Adjust the seat height so that you are comfortable on the bike.
f. If you have any other safety concerns (strange noises, loose parts, etc) and are not a confident mechanic, take your bike in to a bike mechanic for evaluation and repair. You may need to leave the bike overnight for repairs.

2. Think about what you will wear on your bike ride to work. If you live less than 5 miles from work and it is not hot or raining, you can probably wear your work clothes on your ride. Otherwise, pack up your work clothes in a backpack, pannier, or messenger bag and carry them with you and change when you arrive. You may also want to bring a small towel or "wet wipes" along to clean up when you arrive if your workplace does not have showers.

3. Plan your route. If possible, try riding your route a few days before you have to get to work so that you will know how long it will take you and so you won't be surprised by unexpected circumstances like road construction. Call the Bicycle Federation to find out where to get state and local bike maps to help you plan your route. Ask a friend who bikes more than you do for advice.

4. Have fun. Biking to work is a great way to save gas and avoid parking fees, while arriving to work refreshed and relaxed. In the long run, you'll be healthier too. Biking to work is also a great way to clear your mind and think creatively each day...instead of stressing out with road rage.

5. Register for Bike to Work Week at www.bfw.org to take part in all the great events and to stand up and be counted!